Media Relationshttps://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/default.aspxThe scoop on occupational therapy in the mediaen-US7.x ProductionCasting call for ‘Employable Me’ TV showhttps://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/archive/2018/02/20/casting-call-for-employable-me-tv-show.aspxTue, 20 Feb 2018 22:04:14 GMT9079418d-4ee6-4590-87f3-c0cc4c3814cd:e0e2cff9-5866-4549-960b-778e85ebada0Katie Riley0https://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/rsscomments.aspx?WeblogPostID=123145https://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/archive/2018/02/20/casting-call-for-employable-me-tv-show.aspx#comments<p>The American version of the award-winning BBC television series <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09hlpl8" target="_blank">&ldquo;Employable Me&rdquo;</a> needs our help with its latest casting call. Occupational therapy practitioners are invited to submit clients (with permission), or encourage clients to apply for the documentary which follows the journey toward sustained employment despite living with a neurological condition.<a href="https://otconnections.aota.org/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-76-15/employable-me.png"><img src="https://otconnections.aota.org/resized-image.ashx/__size/200x0/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-76-15/employable-me.png" style="margin:10px;float:right;" alt=" " /></a><a href="https://otconnections.aota.org/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-76-15/Employable-Me.jpg"><img src="https://otconnections.aota.org/resized-image.ashx/__size/200x0/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-76-15/Employable-Me.jpg" style="float:right;margin:10px;" alt=" " /></a></p>
<p>&quot;Employable Me&quot; follows people with autism, Aspergers, blindness, deafness, stroke survivors, &nbsp;and those living with other neurological conditions like Tourette Syndrome as they look for meaningful, long-term employment. The job-seekers selected to appear on the documentary series will be encouraged to unlock their hidden talents with the help of experts, doctors, and neurological specialists so they find the job that best suits their unique skill sets and strengths and creates a sense of purpose in their life. The show follows the job-seekers during this process.</p>
<p>Requirements: Must be over 21 years of age, be actively looking for work (usually for more than one year), be unemployed at the time of application, and have a neurological condition that they perceive to be hindering their ability to get full time, long-term employment.</p>
<p>If the episode includes one of your clients, the producers will be careful to explain how occupational therapy has helped the individual with their ADLs and achieving other goals up to this point.<br /> <br /> &ldquo;Our current search is for people who have neurological conditions who manifest incredible intelligence that, to-date, has not been appreciated properly by potential employers,&rdquo; said Liz Alderman, casting director for the American version of the BBC program.</p>
<p>To view clips from previous British episodes, visit <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09hlpl8" target="_blank">http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09hlpl8</a>. For more information and to apply, visit<a href="https://otconnections.aota.org/controlpanel/blogs/posteditor.aspx/&lt;a%20href=&quot;http:/www.optomenproductions.com/&quot;&gt;www.optomenproductions.com&lt;/a&gt;" target="_blank"> www.optomenproductions.com</a> or contact Liz Alderman at <a href="mailto:Liz.Alderman@OptomenUSA.com">Liz.Alderman@OptomenUSA.com</a>.</p>
<p>Occupational therapy practitioners focus on the strengths of their clients to help them succeed and live as independently as possible, including finding employment. Learn more about OT&rsquo;s role in this area:</p>
<ul>
<li>Harnessing Strengths of Autism for Successful Adulthood - Everyday Evidence Podcast <a href="https://www.aota.org/Practice/Researchers/Evidence-Podcast/autism-strengths-success-adulthood.aspx" target="_blank">https://www.aota.org/Practice/Researchers/Evidence-Podcast/autism-strengths-success-adulthood.aspx</a></li>
<li>Returning to Work With Cognitive Impairments Fact Sheet <a href="https://www.aota.org/About-Occupational-Therapy/Professionals/WI/Cognitive-Impairments.aspx" target="_blank">https://www.aota.org/About-Occupational-Therapy/Professionals/WI/Cognitive-Impairments.aspx</a></li>
<li>Supporting Community Integration and Participation for Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities Fact Sheet <a href="https://www.aota.org/About-Occupational-Therapy/Professionals/WI/Intellectual-Disabilities.aspx" target="_blank">https://www.aota.org/About-Occupational-Therapy/Professionals/WI/Intellectual-Disabilities.aspx</a></li>
</ul><div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="https://otconnections.aota.org/aggbug.aspx?PostID=123145&AppID=7615&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Promote OTpromoting otmedia relationsNew AOTA Tip Sheet focuses on promoting the professionhttps://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/archive/2018/01/26/new-aota-tip-sheet-focuses-on-promoting-the-profession.aspxFri, 26 Jan 2018 20:14:24 GMT9079418d-4ee6-4590-87f3-c0cc4c3814cd:3c3ca0d3-c882-415f-8f03-515b42342c99Katie Riley0https://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/rsscomments.aspx?WeblogPostID=123136https://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/archive/2018/01/26/new-aota-tip-sheet-focuses-on-promoting-the-profession.aspx#comments<p>If your New Year&rsquo;s resolution is to take a more active role in the future of the profession, you&rsquo;re in luck. AOTA&rsquo;s newest Tip Sheet is packed with tips to promote the profession of occupational therapy in the news media. (And it&rsquo;s something I&rsquo;ve hoped for since I started at AOTA in 2011!)</p>
<p><a href="http://www.aota.org/~/media/Corporate/Files/Secure/Publications/Tips-for-Promoting-OT-Media.pdf" target="_blank">View and download the Tip Sheet here</a><a href="https://otconnections.aota.org/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-76-15/tip-sheet-icon.png"><img src="https://otconnections.aota.org/resized-image.ashx/__size/300x0/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-76-15/tip-sheet-icon.png" style="float:right;margin:10px;" alt=" " /></a></p>
<p>Whether you like to take photos, write, or feel comfortable speaking with a reporter, this Tip Sheet offers different media activities organized by how much effort they demand. For example, submitting a photo or writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper about occupational therapy are easier than a more involved offering yourself as an interview. Each activity features an example of an AOTA member&rsquo;s work on this and includes tips to make it happen.</p>
<p>And speaking of making it happen, this tip sheet was made possible by two recent graduates&mdash;Karen Stauffer and Ellery Scherrer&mdash;who made the tip sheet their capstone project.</p>
<p>&ldquo;We both really wanted to make a difference, and we were definitely inspired by 2017 being the 100th-year milestone for AOTA and the profession,&rdquo; said Stauffer, a former journalist. &ldquo;We wanted to find a way to spread the word of OT and OTs&#39; achievements, while also being mindful of occupational therapists&#39; very real time constraints. We hope that the tip sheet combines all those things and gives OTs a way to publicize the profession, and their own efforts, in whatever time they have available.&nbsp;&ldquo;</p>
<p>For more ideas on how to promote the profession, visit the <a href="http://www.aota.org/Practice/Manage/Promote.aspx" target="_blank">Promote the Profession page</a> on AOTA&rsquo;s website. Additional tools for helping occupational therapy practitioners to feel confident in promoting the profession in the media (and on social media) are in the works for 2018, so stay tuned!</p><div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="https://otconnections.aota.org/aggbug.aspx?PostID=123136&AppID=7615&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">communicationsPromote OTpromoting otmedia relations'Tis the Season for Thank You'shttps://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/archive/2017/12/21/39-tis-the-season-for-thank-you-39-s.aspxThu, 21 Dec 2017 19:59:10 GMT9079418d-4ee6-4590-87f3-c0cc4c3814cd:3f613f6a-5dc6-4cd2-870e-2a0337fffde1Katie Riley0https://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/rsscomments.aspx?WeblogPostID=123115https://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/archive/2017/12/21/39-tis-the-season-for-thank-you-39-s.aspx#comments<p>To say 2017 has been a big year for AOTA and the profession of occupational therapy could be the understatement of the century. Our Centennial year has been HUGE! While many in our profession are expressing their satisfaction on a job well-done, my thank you message has a slightly different angle.</p>
<p>In 2017, we&rsquo;ve had at least 874 positive news stories about occupational therapy. Of those, at least 432 were in news outlets that report an audience of more than 5 million. WOW. As a comparison, we counted 750 in 2016, and 799 in 2015. These numbers would not be possible without the dedicated occupational therapy practitioners who took time from their busy schedule to promote the profession.&nbsp;<a href="https://otconnections.aota.org/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-76-15/Elin-camera-final.png"><img src="https://otconnections.aota.org/resized-image.ashx/__size/600x0/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-76-15/Elin-camera-final.png" style="margin:10px auto;display:block;" alt=" " /></a><a href="https://otconnections.aota.org/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-76-15/Thank-you.png"></a></p>
<p>So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.</p>
<p>Thank you for picking up your phone when a reporter needed a quote. Thank you for squeezing in an interview when your schedule was already booked solid. Thank you for staying on the phone with the reporter who swore they&rsquo;d only take 10 minutes of your time, but really needed 30. Thank you for fact-checking. Thank you for patiently explaining the differences between PT and OT. Thank you for putting nerves aside to appear on live television. Thank you for practicing talking points. Thank you for writing that letter to the editor to correct an inaccuracy in the news. Thank you for writing a guest column in honor of OT Month or about the therapy cap. Thank you for pitching an idea to your local news. Thank you for participating in AOTA&rsquo;s public awareness campaigns by hosting Backpack Safety Awareness Day or Older Driver Safety Week events that attracted media attention.</p>
<p>We all have moments in our professional lives from 2017 that we will carry with us. For me, the most exciting Centennial moment was connecting with Al Roker, who was gracious enough to film a <a href="https://otconnections.aota.org/aota_blogs/b/media_relations/archive/2017/04/10/thankful-for-his-son-s-future-al-roker-thanks-occupational-therapy.aspx">video honoring the profession</a> that we showed at the AOTA Conference &amp; Centennial Celebration in Philadelphia. Seeing occupational therapy practitioners who had never considered working with reporters on news stories about the profession are among others.</p>
<p>What was your best OT moment from 2017?</p>
<p><i>To see highlights of stories about occupational therapy in the news, check out AOTA&rsquo;s <a href="http://www.aota.org/Publications-News/ForTheMedia/OT-in-the-News.aspx">OT in the News</a> page, which is updated on a regular basis. To learn more about AOTA&rsquo;s media efforts, visit our&nbsp;</i><i><a href="http://www.aota.org/Publications-News/ForTheMedia.aspx">For the Media</a> page. Is promoting the profession in the news one of your resolutions for 2018? Contact me at <a href="mailto:kriley@aota.org">kriley@aota.org</a>.&nbsp;</i></p><div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="https://otconnections.aota.org/aggbug.aspx?PostID=123115&AppID=7615&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">interviewsPromote OTpromoting otOT Centennialnewsmedia relationsOT Research: When it comes to toddlers and toys, less is morehttps://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/archive/2017/12/12/ot-research-indicates-that-when-it-comes-to-toddlers-and-toys-less-is-more.aspxTue, 12 Dec 2017 21:09:00 GMT9079418d-4ee6-4590-87f3-c0cc4c3814cd:7886a2ab-6f66-4725-8f7e-214cf9397d3cKatie Riley0https://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/rsscomments.aspx?WeblogPostID=123108https://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/archive/2017/12/12/ot-research-indicates-that-when-it-comes-to-toddlers-and-toys-less-is-more.aspx#comments<p>It&rsquo;s the time of the year when toy shopping for children reaches its peak and we all stuff shopping carts (and online shopping carts) with toys for all the children in our lives. But before you check out, there is new research by a team of occupational therapy practitioners to consider that might have you checking your list twice.</p>
<p>AOTA member Alexia Metz, PhD, OTR/L, Associate Professor in the Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program at the University of Toledo, with three then-OTD students Carly Dauch, Michelle Imwalle, and Brooke Ocasio, this month had research published in <i>Infant Behavior &amp; Development</i> titled, <a href="https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1W7ekbDG3nZzj" target="_blank">&ldquo;The Influence of the Number of Toys in the Environment on Toddlers&rsquo; Play.&rdquo;</a> The study examines the play habits of 36 toddlers between the ages of 18 and 30 months. During the study, the toddlers were placed in rooms with either 4 toys or 16 toys and observed. The team found that toddlers in the room with an abundance of toys presented reduced quality of play and that offering fewer toys at once helped the toddlers to focus better and play more creatively.</p>
<p>The findings have attracted some media attention this holiday season. Among mentions in several top news outlets nationwide, <a href="http://www.toledoblade.com/local/2017/12/12/UT-study-Less-toys-can-lead-to-better-play-for-toddlers.html?platform=hootsuite" target="_blank"><i>The Toledo Blade</i></a> reports that fewer toys can actually lead to better play for toddlers.<a href="https://otconnections.aota.org/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-76-15/Toys-and-Toddlers.png"><img src="https://otconnections.aota.org/resized-image.ashx/__size/600x0/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-76-15/Toys-and-Toddlers.png" style="margin:10px auto;display:block;" alt=" " /></a></p>
<p>In <i>The Blade</i> article, Metz says, &ldquo;As an occupational therapist and parent, I had noticed when environments were busy, kids flitted around a lot more. It was hard to keep them focused on what was at hand if there was something in their periphery that was tempting them to break away.&rdquo;</p>
<p>If you have items sitting in your virtual shopping cart, it&rsquo;s easy to find out if you should still buy them. As experts in how play helps children to develop physically, cognitively, and socially, occupational therapy practitioners can help families understand the appropriateness of selecting toys. AOTA offers a Tip Sheet, <a href="http://www.aota.org/~/media/Corporate/Files/AboutOT/consumers/Youth/Play/Toys%20tip%20sheet.pdf" target="_blank">&ldquo;How to Pick a Toy: A Checklist for Toy Shopping&rdquo;</a> and <a href="http://www.aota.org/Publications-News/ForTheMedia/OT-in-the-News/2015/122215-ToyTips.aspx" target="_blank">&ldquo;8 Guiding Questions for Buying Holiday Toys&rdquo;</a> to help shoppers select the most age-appropriate and beneficial toys for children.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Selecting a toy can be overwhelming,&rdquo; says Sandra Schefkind, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Pediatric Program Manager at AOTA. &ldquo;Rather than making a knee-jerk purchase based on packaging or where an item is placed on the shelf, occupational therapy practitioners who specialize in pediatrics recommend considering how the toy can benefit playtime and act as a catalyst for cognitive and physical development.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Experiences often make great gifts: tickets to the science center, children&rsquo;s museum admission, tickets to art exhibits, session fees for sports camps, dance instruction, music lessons, and more are generally appreciated.</p>
<p>If you&rsquo;re reading this and thinking it&rsquo;s too late, and your (or a client&rsquo;s) children already have too much stuff, consider toy rotation. Pediatric Occupational Therapist Rachel Coley, MS, OT/L, offers tips for toy rotation in a recent blog post on <a href="http://www.CanDoKiddo.com" target="_blank">CanDoKiddo.com</a>. The article, <a href="http://www.candokiddo.com/news/toy-rotation" target="_blank">&ldquo;Toy Rotation: Save Your Sanity, Reclaim Your Home, and Foster More Fun,&rdquo;</a> offers tips to manage the things that children accumulate. According to Coley, reducing the number of choices the child has to make decreases anxiety and stress and foster feelings of appreciation for the things they have.</p><div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="https://otconnections.aota.org/aggbug.aspx?PostID=123108&AppID=7615&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">PediatricstoysResearchOT and playtips for parentsshoppingSocial media users needed for Conference countdown projecthttps://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/archive/2017/10/31/social-media-users-needed-for-conference-project.aspxTue, 31 Oct 2017 18:13:00 GMT9079418d-4ee6-4590-87f3-c0cc4c3814cd:a2a23b01-45ee-4276-a998-e17ca71de749Katie Riley0https://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/rsscomments.aspx?WeblogPostID=123069https://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/archive/2017/10/31/social-media-users-needed-for-conference-project.aspx#comments<p>Do you promote the profession, your work, your OT hopes and dreams, your time at our annual conference on social media? AOTA invites you to participate in a special photo project to help us countdown to AOTA&rsquo;s 2018 Annual Conference &amp; Expo in Salt Lake City (April 19-22).<a href="https://otconnections.aota.org/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-76-15/1754.2017-Sample-Collage.png"><img src="https://otconnections.aota.org/resized-image.ashx/__size/400x0/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-76-15/1754.2017-Sample-Collage.png" alt=" " style="float:right;margin:10px;" /></a></p>
<p>Leading up to the event, we have designed a special &ldquo;Countdown to Conference&rdquo; featuring photos of people within the profession to hype up the conference. (The finished product will mimic this photo from 2017.) This year, we invite social media users to participate in the countdown as &ldquo;celebrity sign-holders.</p>
<p>Participating in this project as a sign-holder is easy. Just follow these 3 simple steps:</p>
<ol>
<li>Print the document labeled &ldquo;Countdown 6 Weeks&rdquo; in color.</li>
<li>Have a friend take a photo of you holding the sign. (A cell phone photo will work&nbsp;just fine)</li>
<li>Email the photo back to me at <a href="mailto:kriley@aota.org">kriley@aota.org</a>.</li>
</ol>
<p>We will then overlay your photo with the AOTA countdown template and share with association members as part of our Countdown to Conference. The collage of Social Media Users will be published online and shared via social media 6 weeks prior to conference, on March 8, 2018.</p>
<p>If you wish to participate, please send a photo of yourself holding the sign by <span style="text-decoration:line-through;">Thursday, November 30&nbsp;</span> <span style="color:#ff0000;background-color:#ffff00;"><strong>Tuesday, January 30</strong></span>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p><div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="https://otconnections.aota.org/aggbug.aspx?PostID=123069&AppID=7615&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Conferencesocial mediaHilton donates backpacks in honor of School Backpack Safety Awareness Dayhttps://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/archive/2017/09/19/hilton-donates-backpacks-in-honor-of-nat-l-school-backpack-safety-awareness-day.aspxTue, 19 Sep 2017 15:19:26 GMT9079418d-4ee6-4590-87f3-c0cc4c3814cd:8b098ed6-c064-49e9-adb8-27513de0e126Katie Riley0https://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/rsscomments.aspx?WeblogPostID=123058https://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/archive/2017/09/19/hilton-donates-backpacks-in-honor-of-nat-l-school-backpack-safety-awareness-day.aspx#comments<p style="text-align:justify;">In Honor of AOTA&rsquo;s National School Backpack Awareness Day, Hilton Worldwide Sales organized a backpack stuffing and donation event on September 11 in Washington, DC. The evening of networking featured Hilton sales representatives from across the country gathering to help their community. During the event, attendees stuffed 150 backpacks with school supplies, notes of encouragement, and AOTA&rsquo;s backpack safety tips. The backpacks were donated to children of active duty military in honor of 9/11 and children at an elementary school in Boston who participated in a National School Backpacks Safety Awareness Day event.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">I had the honor of speaking about the campaign, and was accompanied by AOTA&#39;s Director of Conferences Frank Gainer, who was the perfect model of how to NOT wear a backpack. (Thanks for being such a good sport, Frank!)</p>
<p><a href="https://otconnections.aota.org/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-76-15/4137.HILTON2017Reception.RF_2D00_151.jpg"><img src="https://otconnections.aota.org/resized-image.ashx/__size/300x0/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-76-15/4137.HILTON2017Reception.RF_2D00_151.jpg" alt=" " style="margin:10px;float:right;" /></a></p>
<p>AOTA&rsquo;s National School Backpack Safety Awareness Day is officially set for September 20. The day, held annually on the third Wednesday of each September, encourages awareness of the long term pain and musculoskeletal problems that heavy loads carried in poorly-fitted backpacks can cause to students. AOTA recommends that backpacks weigh no more than 10% of the person&rsquo;s body weight. For tips on how to select a backpack, lighten the load, and pack it right, or for ideas on hosting your own event, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.aota.org/backpack">www.aota.org/backpack</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>(Photos courtesy of Hilton)</p>
<p><a href="https://otconnections.aota.org/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-76-15/0602.HILTON2017Reception.RF_2D00_102.jpg"><img src="https://otconnections.aota.org/resized-image.ashx/__size/300x0/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-76-15/0602.HILTON2017Reception.RF_2D00_102.jpg" style="margin:10px;float:left;" alt=" " title="Photos courtesy of Hilton" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://otconnections.aota.org/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-76-15/0576.HILTON2017Reception.RF_2D00_102.jpg"><img src="https://otconnections.aota.org/resized-image.ashx/__size/200x0/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-76-15/0576.HILTON2017Reception.RF_2D00_102.jpg" border="0" alt=" " /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://otconnections.aota.org/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-76-15/HILTON2017Reception.RF_2D00_102.jpg"><img src="https://otconnections.aota.org/resized-image.ashx/__size/300x0/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-76-15/HILTON2017Reception.RF_2D00_102.jpg" border="0" alt=" " /></a></p><div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="https://otconnections.aota.org/aggbug.aspx?PostID=123058&AppID=7615&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Backpack Awareness DayPediatricsErgonomics17 ways to mark Nat'l School Backpack Awareness Day in our Centennial Yearhttps://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/archive/2017/08/31/17-ways-to-commemorate-national-school-backpack-awareness-day-in-our-centennial-year.aspxThu, 31 Aug 2017 18:53:00 GMT9079418d-4ee6-4590-87f3-c0cc4c3814cd:3eb0b5f6-c4b5-421c-b3be-08aba1f48b0aKatie Riley0https://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/rsscomments.aspx?WeblogPostID=123047https://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/archive/2017/08/31/17-ways-to-commemorate-national-school-backpack-awareness-day-in-our-centennial-year.aspx#comments<p>AOTA&rsquo;s <a href="http://www.aota.org/backpack" target="_blank" title="National School Backpack Awareness Day">National School Backpack Awareness Day</a>&nbsp;is set for September 20. Held the third Wednesday of each September, the awareness day is intended to draw attention to the long-term pain and health issues that today&rsquo;s children carrying heavy loads can face long into adulthood.</p>
<p>Efforts by occupational therapy practitioners, educators, parents, and community members are important to the campaign&rsquo;s success. Want to get involved? There are many different ways to commemorate Backpack Day. Here are 17 in honor of our Centennial year (2017):</p>
<ol>
<li>Host a weigh-in event. You can help children weigh their backpacks to see just how heavy of a load they are carrying. You can use our <a href="http://www.aota.org/~/media/Corporate/Files/Backpack/Backpack-Weigh-Sheet.pdf" title="weigh-in sheet" target="_blank">weigh-in sheet </a>as a take-home item for students to share with their parents.<a href="https://otconnections.aota.org/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-76-15/5315.Maine-OT-Assoc-2.jpg"><img src="https://otconnections.aota.org/resized-image.ashx/__size/300x0/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-76-15/5315.Maine-OT-Assoc-2.jpg" border="0" alt=" " style="float:right;" /></a></li>
<li>Put on a skit. Each year, Dr. Karen Jacobs&rsquo; OT students at Boston University create a different skit to help engage school children and explain the message of selecting, packing, and wearing backpacks. This year&rsquo;s skit script will be available in coming weeks.</li>
<li>Man a table of materials. You can have a table for a few hours and hand out resources, giveaways, and more. Community center, YMCA, etc. bulletin boards are great as well if you don&rsquo;t have the time to commit to manning a table. AOTA&rsquo;s Backpack Day website has&nbsp;<a href="http://www.aota.org/Conference-Events/Backpack-Safety-Awareness-Day/Handouts.aspx" target="_blank" title="dozens of free handouts"><b>dozens of free handouts&nbsp;</b></a>that can be printed and distributed. You do not need our permission as long as you&rsquo;re distributing them as-is, not altering the logo, and not pretending that the info is yours. Infographics, charts, pictures, and more can also be used for Power Point presentations. Many items are available in both printer-friendly and digital versions so that you can print for posters or share electronically.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Organize a school assembly. You can talk to kids at a school about the hazards of carrying too heavy a backpack.</li>
<li>Speak to PTA. School PTAs and PTOs are always looking for ways to show their commitment to students. Encourage your PTA to do one of the above activities and you can act in a supportive role.</li>
<li>Encourage your child&rsquo;s teacher to incorporate backpack weight into a school-day lesson. Depending on their age, students can weigh backpack, chart their findings, and even learn about the different muscle groups that are affected by carrying heavy loads.</li>
<li>Write a blurb for your school&rsquo;s newsletter. Include the &ldquo;no more than 10% of their body weight.&rdquo;</li>
<li>Coloring contest. New this year from AOTA is a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.aota.org/-/media/Corporate/Files/Backpack/OT-Rex-Jr-Color-Me-Page.pdf" target="_blank" title="coloring sheet"><b>coloring sheet</b></a>&nbsp;of OT Rex Jr. outside of his school. (Be sure to bring crayons or markers!)</li>
<li>Backpack giveaway. You can work with local stores and companies to see if they can donate backpacks to your event to be distributed to kids.</li>
<li>Stickers. A&nbsp;<a href="http://www.aota.org/-/media/Corporate/Files/Backpack/Backpack%20Stickers.pdf" target="_blank" title="Template"><b>Template</b></a>&nbsp;can be printed from the AOTA website. All the info on what Avery sticky paper to purchase is there as well.</li>
<li>Make your own video. Make a video explaining how to pack it light and wear it right and post it to YouTube or share via social media.</li>
<li>Social Media is an easy way to raise awareness of backpack safety. Be sure to use the hashtag #BackpackSafety on Twitter and Instagram. Share photos of the materials you plan to share.</li>
<li>On Twitter and Instagram, share tidbits about behind the scene planning.</li>
<li>On Backpack Day, share a photo of your scale or your own bag/purse showing how heavy or light it is.</li>
<li>Share links to articles and resources on Twitter and Facebook.</li>
<li>On Twitter, search Search #BackpackSafety. There are already plenty of tweets out there with info, photos, etc.</li>
<li>This last one is my personal favorite: Promote your work in the news. You can call your local TV station of newspaper and invite a reporter to do a story. You can share the <a href="http://www.aota.org/Publications-News/ForTheMedia/PressReleases/2017/072517-BackpackShopping101.aspx" title="AOTA press release" target="_blank">AOTA press release</a> or your own. Unsure if that&rsquo;s for you? Write a short article or letter to the editor about your event. You can also share articles from news outlets across the country on others&#39; events or interviews. There are many on our <a href="http://www.aota.org/Publications-News/ForTheMedia/OT-News.aspx" title="OT in the News page" target="_blank">OT in the News page</a>. We also invite you to tell us about your event by completing a short&nbsp;<a href="http://goo.gl/forms/ZVASYcoS7g" target="_blank" title="Google Doc Survey"><b>Google Doc survey</b></a>. We&rsquo;d love to share your event info with local and national media to broaden the message&rsquo;s reach.<br /><br /><em>For more information about Backpack Day, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.aota.org/backpack" target="_blank" title="www.aota.org/backpack"><b>www.aota.org/backpack</b></a>&nbsp;or email me at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kriley@aota.org"><b>kriley@aota.org</b></a>.</em></li>
</ol>
<p style="padding:0;margin:0;"></p><div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="https://otconnections.aota.org/aggbug.aspx?PostID=123047&AppID=7615&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Thankful for his son’s future, Al Roker thanks occupational therapyhttps://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/archive/2017/04/10/thankful-for-his-son-s-future-al-roker-thanks-occupational-therapy.aspxMon, 10 Apr 2017 14:11:35 GMT9079418d-4ee6-4590-87f3-c0cc4c3814cd:d86e2bf7-7fca-4239-8e60-039ac7424c5bKatie Riley1https://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/rsscomments.aspx?WeblogPostID=122990https://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/archive/2017/04/10/thankful-for-his-son-s-future-al-roker-thanks-occupational-therapy.aspx#comments<p>One of the unique surprises at AOTA&rsquo;s 2017 Annual Conference &amp; Centennial Celebration in Philadelphia was the absence of a traditional keynote speaker at the Welcome Ceremony. To mark our Centennial at conference, we celebrated the profession&rsquo;s achievements since 1917, many of which include client success stories.<em> The Today Show&rsquo;s</em> Al Roker&rsquo;s family story was part of that message.</p>
<p>In a video welcome to this year&rsquo;s more than 14,000 attendees, Roker explains that he, like a lot of people, did not know much about occupational therapy until someone close to him needed it: his son Nick. Realizing that at 3 years old Nick had both speech and physical challenges, Roker and his wife Deborah Roberts sought help in the form of occupational therapy.</p>
<p>&ldquo;We had him tested 6 ways to Sunday,&rdquo; Roker said, explaining that they thought he could have Autism Spectrum Disorder or Cerebral Palsy. &ldquo;At 3 years old, he didn&rsquo;t walk, he didn&rsquo;t talk. It was not a bright outlook for my boy which was heartbreaking because you don&rsquo;t know what to do&hellip;You look in the eyes of this little boy and you know there&rsquo;s something there.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Enter Roker&rsquo;s occupational therapist Lori Rothman. In the 10 years that Rothman has worked with Nick, so much has changed.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Within about a year he was walking, within a year-and-a-half was riding a two-wheel bicycle without training wheels. By 5, he was enrolled in Tae Kwon Do. He&rsquo;s 14 now and a year-and-a-half ago he got his black belt in Tae Kwon Do. He ran track on his middle school track team, he&rsquo;s playing basketball, and he told me he wants to start skateboarding,&rdquo; Roker explained as conference attendees laughed and applauded.</p>
<p>Before starting occupational therapy, Roker said that Nick&rsquo;s future was uncertain, but it is now &ldquo;limitless.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Expressing his gratitude, Roker saluted the profession of occupational therapy and thanked attendees for the last 100 years, saying, &ldquo;What you do is God&rsquo;s work on earth every day.&rdquo;</p>
<p>(Please visit the site to view this video)</p>
<p>For more highlights from AOTA&rsquo;s Annual Conference &amp; Centennial Celebration in Philadelphia, visit <a href="http://www.otcentennial.org/">www.otcentennial.org</a> and <a href="http://www.aota.org/aota17-social">www.aota.org/aota17-social</a>.&nbsp;</p><div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="https://otconnections.aota.org/aggbug.aspx?PostID=122990&AppID=7615&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Centennialclient storiesConferenceNew resources to promote the Centennialhttps://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/archive/2017/03/16/new-resources-to-promote-the-centennial.aspxThu, 16 Mar 2017 21:39:05 GMT9079418d-4ee6-4590-87f3-c0cc4c3814cd:30c828ab-1541-4835-b904-0603ee69ad44Katie Riley0https://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/rsscomments.aspx?WeblogPostID=122981https://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/archive/2017/03/16/new-resources-to-promote-the-centennial.aspx#comments<p>As part of our ongoing Centennial Celebration, AOTA is working to promote a better understanding of the profession of occupational therapy through media exposure. AOTA has created specialized messages to describe this milestone.</p>
<p><a href="https://otconnections.aota.org/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-76-15/3731.AOTA-100-Years-for-public-use.jpg"><img src="https://otconnections.aota.org/resized-image.ashx/__size/600x0/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-76-15/3731.AOTA-100-Years-for-public-use.jpg" border="0" alt=" " width="209" height="120" style="float:right;" /></a>Interested in joining the effort but unsure how to get started? The <a href="http://www.otcentennial.org/interact">Interact section</a> of <a href="http://www.otcentennial.org/">AOTA&rsquo;s new Centennial Website</a> offers free downloads of our most frequently requested materials, including:</p>
<ul>
<li>Centennial Press Release template</li>
<li>Local government proclamation for the Centennial</li>
<li>Local government proclamation for OT Month</li>
<li>100-year logo for public use</li>
<li>Historic photos (both free and instructions on for-purchase options)</li>
</ul>
<p>If you are interested in promoting the Centennial or OT Month and would like to receive a contact list for reporters and media in your area, contact AOTA&rsquo;s Manager of Media &amp; Public Relations Katie Riley at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kriley@aota.org">kriley@aota.org</a>. As always, for more information on promoting OT in the news, visit AOTA&rsquo;s <a href="http://www.aota.org/Publications-News/ForTheMedia.aspx">For the Media page</a>.</p><div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="https://otconnections.aota.org/aggbug.aspx?PostID=122981&AppID=7615&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Promote OTOT Centennialmedia relationsOT in record-setting number of top news outlets in 2016https://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/archive/2016/12/21/ot-in-record-setting-number-of-top-news-outlets-in-2016.aspxWed, 21 Dec 2016 14:52:44 GMT9079418d-4ee6-4590-87f3-c0cc4c3814cd:d1d19db2-41d6-4f8b-80d2-8d4a66da93c2Katie Riley0https://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/rsscomments.aspx?WeblogPostID=122934https://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/archive/2016/12/21/ot-in-record-setting-number-of-top-news-outlets-in-2016.aspx#comments<p><a href="https://otconnections.aota.org/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-76-15/MP900401787_5B00_1_5D00_.jpg"><img src="https://otconnections.aota.org/resized-image.ashx/__size/250x0/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-76-15/MP900401787_5B00_1_5D00_.jpg" style="margin:5px;float:right;" alt=" " /></a>As 2016 comes to a close, I want to thank those who have helped to promote occupational therapy in the news this year. The below list is just a glimpse of the nearly 750 quality articles about occupational therapy in the news. Of those media placements, 359 (up from 256 in 2015) signify media coverage by top tier outlets, identified as having more than 5 million daily page views.</p>
<p>These numbers are possible only because of you &mdash; occupational therapy practitioners, educators, and students &mdash; who rearrange schedules to meet reporters&rsquo; deadlines, who research and prepare answers on timely topics, and serve as the face of the profession in communities across the nation. I know that for many of you, being interviewed stretches outside of your comfort zone. But know that it is through these media articles that we have achieved an important goal of our Centennial Vision: to be a widely recognized profession.</p>
<p>So from the bottom of my heart, thank you.</p>
<p>Enjoy some of the most notable stories featuring occupational therapy in 2016 (in no particular order):</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/features/bs-hs-spine-injury-friendship-20160615-story.html">Baltimore Sun</a> article on teen girls with spinal injuries who became friends while receiving OT<b></b></li>
<li><a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/06/13/481590997/millennials-may-be-losing-their-grip">NPR</a> story on Millennials&rsquo; increasingly weak hand grip<b></b></li>
<li>The <a href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/after-orlando-shooting-many-confront-a-long-painful-recovery-1467083134?tesla=y&amp;mod=vocus">Wall Street Journal</a> mentions how some Orlando shooting survivors will have OT<b></b></li>
<li>An OT suggests activities for babies in<a href="http://www.parents.com/baby/development/growth/activities-for-6-to-12-month-olds/"> Parents</a> magazine<b></b></li>
<li><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/health/2016/07/07/growing-up-with-sensory-processing-disorder.html">Fox News Health</a> story on growing up with sensory processing disorder</li>
<li><a href="http://www.ajc.com/news/news/local/making-the-grade-national-program-focuses-on-handw/nrsKb/">The Atlanta Journal-Constitution</a> article on a handwriting program led by OT practitioners</li>
<li><a href="http://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/ms-management-guide/tips-life-easier-ms/#01">Everyday Health</a> article on life hacks for people with Multiple Sclerosis</li>
<li><a href="http://jacksonville.com/news/health-and-fitness/2016-07-20/story/play-time-therapy-time-wolfson-pediatric-rehabilitation">Florida Times-Union</a> article on how OTs use play to help kids with physical disabilities</li>
<li><a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/jul/23/helping-maryland-children-eat-1-rice-krispie-at-a-/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;amp;utm_medium=RSS">Associated Press (AP)</a> story on how occupational therapists are helping children overcome eating and swallowing challenges</li>
<li><a href="http://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/psoriatic-arthritis-management-treatment/assistive-devices/">Everyday Health</a> tips on selecting assistive devices for arthritis</li>
<li><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/once-all-but-left-for-dead-is-cursive-handwriting-making-a-comeback/2016/07/26/24e59d34-4489-11e6-bc99-7d269f8719b1_story.html">The Washington Post</a>&nbsp;article makes the case for cursive</li>
<li><a href="http://www.everydayhealth.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/living-with/tips-for-hosting-outdoor-parties-with-ra/#02">Everyday Health</a> article on tips for hosting an outdoor party when you have arthritis</li>
<li><a href="http://www.al.com/opinion/index.ssf/2016/10/with_the_cursive_debate_settle.html">AL.com</a> story on cursive mandate in Alabama</li>
<li><a href="https://gma.yahoo.com/veteran-plans-dream-job-chef-double-arm-transplant-195704075--abc-news-topstories.html">Good Morning America</a> feature on veteran receiving OT after arm transplant to land cooking job</li>
<li>Letter to the Editor by AOTA member in <a href="http://www.jsonline.com/story/opinion/contributors/2016/10/05/plach-public-health-crisis-mental-illness/91630674/">Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel</a> on mental illness</li>
<li><a href="http://www.ocregister.com/articles/kaitlyn-731058-makeup-dobrow.html">Orange County Register</a> article on Instagram make-up star who received OT</li>
<li><a href="http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/military/the-intel/sd-me-faith-ptsd-20161004-htmlstory.html">San Diego Union-Tribune</a> article on faith and PTSD</li>
<li><a href="http://crochet.about.com/od/Crochet-Health/fl/How-Crochet-Helped-After-a-Traumatic-Brain-Injury.htm">About.com</a> article on crochet as OT</li>
<li><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/their-first-goal-in-rural-nc-was-disaster-relief-the-other-being-the-face-of-islam-in-a-red-state/2016/10/20/fe41edd2-9630-11e6-9b7c-57290af48a49_story.html">Washington Post</a> article on OTs helping with North Carolina flooding disaster relief</li>
<li><a href="http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/scott-fowler/article109620807.html">Charlotte Observer</a> article on Rae Carruth&rsquo;s son&rsquo;s transformation after nearly dying in th womb, but now receiving OT</li>
<li><a href="http://michiganradio.org/post/learn-about-aging-college-students-move-retirement-community#stream/0">NPR</a> piece on OT students living in retirement community</li>
<li><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/shoshanah-shear/the-role-of-occupational-_b_12673818.html?utm_hp_ref=healthy-living&amp;ir=Healthy+Living?view=print&amp;comm_ref=false">Huffington Post</a> article on OT and sleep</li>
<li>OT on <a href="http://ellentube.com/videos/0-km5axajs/?platform=hootsuite">The Ellen Show</a> for her work with children</li>
<li><a href="http://www.wnyc.org/story/following-occupational-therapist-shortage/">NPR</a> piece on shortage of occupational therapists in New York</li>
<li><a href="http://blogs.psychcentral.com/loving-adhd/2016/01/occupational-therapy-for-adhd-kidsteens/">Psych Central</a> explains how OTs help kids manage symptoms of ADHD</li>
<li><a href="http://www.aol.com/article/2016/01/18/5-moves-to-keep-your-desk-job-from-killing-you/21298958/">AOL.com</a> article features OT who offers tips for &ldquo;keeping your desk job from killing you&rdquo;</li>
<li><a href="https://www.audioburst.com/burst/5b9c6385-cb43-456d-b874-2c0faeee9681/Parents:-Try-This-To-Lighten-Your-Kid&#39;s-Backpack">Dr. Sanjay Gupta&rsquo;s radio broadcast</a> featured AOTA&rsquo;s backpack weight recommendations</li>
<li><a href="http://www.mystatesman.com/news/news/poor-diet-smoking-contribute-to-increase-in-young-/nqFbz/">The Austin-American Statesman</a> article on stroke survivor details how OT helped with many goals</li>
<li><a href="http://www.today.com/health/pregnant-mom-relives-paralysis-guillain-barr-amid-zika-virus-scare-t71846">The Today Show</a> piece on mom who worked on paralysis with OT</li>
<li><a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/02/18/467222400/strokes-on-the-rise-among-younger-adults?ft=nprml&amp;f=">NPR</a> piece on stroke rehab for young people</li>
<li><a href="http://www.houstonchronicle.com/neighborhood/woodlands/business/article/Hospital-opens-new-center-for-premature-babies-6840376.php">Houston Chronicle</a> article on OT&rsquo;s work in NICU</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bankrate.com/finance/auto/make-car-more-comfortable-1.aspx?autoStart=true&amp;ic_id=Top_Financial">Bankrate.com</a> article on how to be more comfortable when driving</li>
<li><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rebecca-laclair/how-alzheimers-caregivers_b_9460712.html?utm_hp_ref=science&amp;ir=Science">The Huffington Post</a> article on how a familiar song can conjure lost memories for those with Alzheimer&rsquo;s</li>
<li><a href="http://www.mlive.com/sports/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2016/03/critically_injured_in_december.html">Michigan Live</a> details a University of Florida track runner&rsquo;s rehab after she was hit by a car</li>
<li><a href="http://health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/2016-03-15/making-yoga-kid-friendly">U.S. News &amp; World Report</a> mentions AJOT in a story about kids and yoga</li>
<li><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2016/03/31/kids-need-an-exercise-plan-right-wrong-heres-what-they-really-need/">The Washington Post</a> column on the importance of informal play at recess time</li>
<li><a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/mens-health-articles/benefits-of-occupational-therapy-for-the-affected-kids-7421187.html">Men&rsquo;s Health</a> article on OT</li>
<li><a href="http://www.refinery29.com/paraplegic-artist-mariam-pare">Refinery 29</a> article on woman who paints with mouth</li>
<li><a href="http://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/news-columns-blogs/article71888852.html">News &amp; Observer</a> article on cake decorator who lost limb</li>
<li><a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-04-15/blind-bendigo-first-time-mother-regains-her-independance/7330078">ABC News</a> story on OT helping new mother who is blind</li>
<li><a href="http://www.ajc.com/news/classifieds/jobs/hand-therapy/nq59G/">Atlanta Journal-Constitution</a> article on hand therapy and OT</li>
<li><a href="http://www.philly.com/philly/health/mental-health/20160424_Rehab_program_lets_dementia_patients_do_what_they_enjoy.html">Philadelphia Inquirer</a> article on animal-assisted therapy</li>
<li><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/05/11/health/sanjay-gupta-prescription-addiction-doctors-must-lead/index.html">CNN</a> article on opioids mentions OT as a possible solution<b></b></li>
<li><a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2016/05/veterans-sex-therapy/482199/">The Atlantic</a> article about re-establishing intimacy for Wounded Warriors mentions team of OTs at Walter Reed<b></b></li>
<li><a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/life/lifestyle/2016/05/20/Yes-they-can-dance-Students-with-special-needs-crowd-the-ballroom/stories/201605200005">Pittsburgh Post-Gazette</a> article on OTs using dance in therapy for students with special needs<b></b></li>
<li>The Guardian featured several articles on OT, including one about <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/social-care-network/2016/jun/01/social-care-research-occupational-therapy">research difficulties</a>, and others on <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/social-care-network/2016/jun/28/occupational-therapists-role-save-money-improve-quality-life">defining OT</a>, and another with <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/social-care-network/2016/jun/30/occupational-therapy-changed-my-life">client testimonials</a><b></b></li>
<li><a href="http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/peoria-contributor/2016/06/01/my-journey-living-lymphedema/84973890/">Arizona Republic</a> article on living with lymphedema<b></b></li>
<li><a href="http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20160605_In_Chinatown__Parkinson_s_Disease_patients_learn_to_cope.html">Philadelphia Inquirer</a> article on OT helping others cope with Parkinson&rsquo;s disease<b></b></li>
<li><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/kim-lawther/virtual-reality-can-make-independence-for-disabled-people-a-reality_b_10275246.html?utm_hp_ref=uk-tech&amp;ir=UK%20Tech">Huffington Post</a> article on virtual reality helping make independence a reality<b></b></li>
<li><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/digital-disabilities--text-neck-cellphone-elbow--are-painful-and-growing/2016/06/13/df070c7c-0afd-11e6-a6b6-2e6de3695b0e_story.html">Washington Post</a> article on digital injuries<b></b></li>
</ul>
<p>The media continues to recognize occupational therapy as an attractive career option. Here are a few articles that list OT and OTA among their rankings:</p>
<ul>
<li>U.S. News &amp; World Report: OT is No. 17 on the <a href="http://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/rankings/best-healthcare-jobs?page=2">Best Health Care Jobs</a> list. The <a href="http://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/occupational-therapist">profile article on OT</a> features an AOTA member. OTA is No. 1 on the <a href="http://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/rankings/best-health-care-support-jobs">Best Health Care Support Jobs</a> list. The <a href="http://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/occupational-therapy-assistant">profile article on OTA</a> features an AOTA member.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/business/10-Most-In-Demand-Jobs-in-Chicago-for-2016-365796851.html">WMAQ-TV NBC 5</a> Chicago reports that OT is a top job for Chicago in 2016.</li>
<li>Career Builder job descriptions for both <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/job/J3F04968GHMZC7D9DHD?ipath=rss">OT</a> and <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/job/J3L25J6GXXZ4CKP7GD6?ipath=rss">OTA</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/katiesola/2016/04/12/here-are-the-20-fastest-growing-jobs-in-america/#7ba27582549f">Forbes</a> fastest-growing jobs</li>
<li><a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/news/50-top-paying-careers-health-200900297.html">Yahoo! Finance</a> ranks OT (19) and OTA (39) on list of 50 top paying careers in health care.</li>
<li><a href="http://time.com/money/4169373/fast-growing-jobs-2024/?xid=homepage">TIME</a> magazine on OT job outlook</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bostonherald.com/lifestyle/health/2016/03/popular_profession_offers_variety_and_flexibility_to_grow">Boston Herald</a> feature on OT as a profession</li>
</ul>
<p><i>While these are just a few highlights, more can be seen on AOTA&rsquo;s <a href="http://www.aota.org/Publications-News/ForTheMedia/OT-News.aspx" title="OT in the News" target="_blank">OT in the News</a> page, which is updated weekly. To learn more about AOTA&rsquo;s media efforts, visit our <a href="http://www.aota.org/Publications-News/ForTheMedia.aspx" title="For the Media" target="_blank">For the Media</a> page. Is promoting the profession in the news one of your resolutions for 2017? Contact me at kriley@aota.org.</i></p><div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="https://otconnections.aota.org/aggbug.aspx?PostID=122934&AppID=7615&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">newsmedia relationsInternational Spy Museum, Sensory Santas, Twitter chat highlight holiday spirit, compassion of OT practitionershttps://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/archive/2016/12/14/international-spy-museum-sensory-santas-twitter-chat-highlight-holiday-spirit-compassion-of-ots.aspxWed, 14 Dec 2016 15:18:39 GMT9079418d-4ee6-4590-87f3-c0cc4c3814cd:b8fbcdfc-91a7-4a4f-ab0a-ece1db993348Katie Riley0https://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/rsscomments.aspx?WeblogPostID=122930https://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/archive/2016/12/14/international-spy-museum-sensory-santas-twitter-chat-highlight-holiday-spirit-compassion-of-ots.aspx#comments<p>Children&rsquo;s sensory challenges can lead parents to limit or even avoid some holiday traditions. A visit with Santa can feel uncomfortable to those who fear unknown people. A crowded holiday party with foreign smells, out of the ordinary foods, loud music, and stiff holiday sweaters can be excruciating to some. And a visit to a tourist attraction with loud noises and crowds can trigger acting out.</p>
<p>Enter the compassion and caring attitude of occupational therapy.</p>
<p>With the holiday season upon us, the desire to include all our activities grows. In the last week, occupational therapy has grabbed headlines for helping children with sensory challenges and their families enjoy and participate in seasonal traditions.</p>
<p><b>International Spy Museum welcomes people with autism</b></p>
<p>Last weekend, the International Spy Museum teamed up with AOTA member Roger Ideishi to host families with members affected by autism. Idieshi helped the museum to identify features that could make those with sensory challenges uncomfortable and tweaking as many as possible. He and staff also sent a preview to parents so they could decide which parts to avoid. <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/how-the-international-spy-museum-transformed-for-a-day-to-welcome-people-with-autism/2016/12/11/e6c13c3a-bfb1-11e6-897f-918837dae0ae_story.html?utm_term=.2911479eb72e">The Washington Post</a> featured the event on Monday. According to the article, &ldquo;The tweaks included lowering the volume at some exhibits, dimming lights in others and eliminating stimuli that might disturb people on the autism spectrum. Quiet areas were mapped out across multiple floors.&rdquo;</p>
<p>For Idieshi, the effort to create an atmosphere to welcome all visitors was a no-brainer. &ldquo;These families often feel scrutinized when they come out in the public. And so they wanna be in a space that they feel safe and supported with the different needs that they have,&rdquo; he said.</p>
<p><b>&lsquo;Sensitive Santa&rsquo; caters to children with special needs</b></p>
<p>Occupational therapy practitioners organized a Sensitive Santa event last week. A Santa trained on sensory challenges and a range of disabilities greeted children with special needs in a calm, quiet event. <a href="http://www.kansascity.com/living/article118985723.html">The Kansas City Star</a> covered the event in which the shopping mall dimmed lights, turned off music, and created a sensory-friendly atmosphere.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Sometimes Santa talks, and sometimes Santa doesn&rsquo;t,&rdquo; said an occupational therapist in the story. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ll do things to help them engage with Santa, like he&rsquo;ll have a favorite toy or candy. He&rsquo;ll even get down on the floor.&rdquo;</p>
<p><b>Resources available</b></p>
<p>The focus of the December #OTalk2US Twitter chat was holiday advice for families navigating autism, sensory, and physical challenges. The occupational therapy practitioners and students who participated offered a wide variety of tips, resources, and ideas for families. Miss the chat? Don&rsquo;t worry. Just log into Twitter and search &ldquo;#OTalk2US&rdquo; to read the conversation. (And just FYI: #OTalk2US covers a different OT-related topic on the first Sunday of each month from 7-8 p.m. ET.)</p>
<p>Here are some AOTA resources that offer ways to include all people in holiday festivities:</p>
<ul>
<li>AOTA article, <a href="http://www.aota.org/Publications-News/AOTANews/Archives/Innovative-Interventions-Children-With-Autism-Participate-Fully.aspx">&ldquo;Innovative Interventions Help Children With Autism Participate Fully&rdquo;</a> covers going to the movies, traveling, and even joking.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.aota.org/Practice/Children-Youth/Autism.aspx">AOTA&rsquo;s microsite on autism</a> offers resources, tip sheets, fact sheets, and information about helping children, teens, and adults.</li>
<li>AOTA&rsquo;s tip sheet, <a href="http://www.aota.org/About-Occupational-Therapy/Patients-Clients/ChildrenAndYouth/halloween-sensory.aspx">&ldquo;Enjoying Halloween with Sensory Challenges&rdquo;</a> has tips that can be applied to any holiday or gathering (English and Spanish).</li>
<li>This press release with <a href="http://www.aota.org/Publications-News/ForTheMedia/PressReleases/2016/120116-ToyTips.aspx">8 Things to Consider When Shopping for Holiday Toys</a> can be applied to children of all ages and needs.</li>
</ul>
<p><em>How have you worked to include people of all abilities in holiday traditions? Have an idea to share? Have you seen OT in the news for including all people this holiday season? Email me at kriley@aota.org.</em></p><div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="https://otconnections.aota.org/aggbug.aspx?PostID=122930&AppID=7615&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Pediatricsautismtips for parentsnews2016 National Backpack Safety Awareness Day is in the bookshttps://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/archive/2016/10/04/2016-national-backpack-safety-awareness-day-is-in-the-books.aspxTue, 04 Oct 2016 20:26:52 GMT9079418d-4ee6-4590-87f3-c0cc4c3814cd:631f98c1-539c-4769-8ffb-b68c55c0cd3bKatie Riley0https://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/rsscomments.aspx?WeblogPostID=122900https://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/archive/2016/10/04/2016-national-backpack-safety-awareness-day-is-in-the-books.aspx#comments<p>The 2016 AOTA&rsquo;s National School Backpack Awareness Day was celebrated on September 21, the third Wednesday in September. This year&rsquo;s public awareness campaign spanned the gamut of AOTA&rsquo;s resources including two media advisories, two press releases, individual media pitches to top journalists and news outlets, and a social media campaign, in addition to organizing events across the U.S. to help educate students and their families.</p>
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<p>As for traditional earned media, 74 stories were placed in news outlets across the U.S. Of those, 46 were top news outlets, meaning they have a consistent audience reach of 5 million or more individual people. While our overall media hits were down slightly for 2016, the number of quality stories in top news outlets more than doubled, which reflects a more targeted approach to pitching news outlets. Some highlights include: An interview on Sirius XM Radio&#39;s Doctor Radio program, Macaroni Kid (nationally-distributed and syndicated parenting magazine), Goop magazine, The Miami Herald, The Chicago Tribune, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Consumer Affairs magazine, The Sacramento Bee, the Kansas City Star, the Charlotte Observer, WMAR-TV ABC 2 (Baltimore), The Huffington Post, AOL news, and The Today Show.</p>
<p>In the weeks leading up to Backpack Day, hundreds of tweets using the hashtag #BackpackSafety were shared, including a barrage of tweets on September 21 featuring backpack every hour between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET. At one point on September 21, our hashtag was one of the top 10 trending healthcare hashtags.</p>
<p>We used Facebook to highlight OT activities for Backpack Day and media hits that included current AOTA members. Our first post on August 10 with tips for parents purchasing backpacks had 48 likes, 58 shares, 9.819 people reached, according to Facebook analytics. Our second post on September 14 geared toward occupational therapy practitioners listing last-minute ideas for marking Backpack Day had 129 likes, 42 shares, and 14,993 people reached. Our last post on September 21/Backpack Day featured photos from events from across the U.S. and had 137 likes, 18 shares, and 18,403 people reached.</p>
<p>Thanks to a new logo in 2015, new resources, updated infographics, hundreds of events hosted by occupational therapy practitioners across the U.S., and a more targeted pitching approach, this event was a HUGE success. A special thanks to National School Backpack Day creator Karen Jacobs, EdD, CPE, OTR/L, FAOTA, who spent countless hours preparing for and participating in media interviews and responding to emails from event organizers across the U.S. seeking info and advice.</p>
<p><em>Interested in more details about this year&rsquo;s media coverage? Email me at <a href="mailto:kriley@aota.org">kriley@aota.org</a> for the full report.</em></p><div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="https://otconnections.aota.org/aggbug.aspx?PostID=122900&AppID=7615&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Backpack Awareness DayStill time to get involved in Backpack Dayhttps://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/archive/2016/09/08/still-time-to-get-involved-in-backpack-day.aspxThu, 08 Sep 2016 16:00:00 GMT9079418d-4ee6-4590-87f3-c0cc4c3814cd:9e035bfd-8137-4a53-849c-033af42f5d74Katie Riley0https://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/rsscomments.aspx?WeblogPostID=122888https://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/archive/2016/09/08/still-time-to-get-involved-in-backpack-day.aspx#comments<p>Last month, Jessica Bolduc and her colleagues at the Maine OT Association (MeOTA) held their 3<sup>rd</sup> annual event for National School Backpack Awareness Day. The legwork was simple: She first contacted LL Bean about hosting a backpack awareness day using AOTA&#39;s recommendations for event planning.</p>
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<p>&ldquo;Since that time, we plan an August event (as&nbsp;oppose to Sept)&nbsp;as it coincides with LL Bean&#39;s kidfest event,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;It&#39;s perfect timing for back&nbsp;to school.&rdquo;</p>
<p>The secret to success lies in her volunteers &ndash; MeOTA and AOTA members.</p>
<p>&ldquo;We typically have a lot of student volunteers which is great as we use this event inform the public about OT and provide education to consumers. Students get great exposure to their future role as an OT,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;We utilize the handouts from AOTA to give out to consumers along with providing education and feedback on backpack fit and packing. I also try to send out media releases to the local papers to gain attention to our event.&rdquo;</p>
<p>So far, the day has been highlighted by the <a href="http://m.boothbayregister.com/article/lightening-burden-school-backpacks/74771">BoothBay Register</a> in Maine.</p>
<p><b>Have you been thinking of commemorating Backpack Day (Sept. 21)? Here are some simple ideas:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Weigh-in event. You can help children weigh their backpacks to see just how heavy of a load they are carrying.</li>
<li>Put on a skit. Each year, <a href="http://www.aota.org/backpack">National School Backpack Awareness Day</a> creator and former AOTA president Karen Jacobs, EdD, OTR/L, CPE, FAOTA and her OT students create a different skit to help engage school children and explain the message of selecting, packing, and wearing backpacks. The skit is available upon request.</li>
<li>Table of materials. You can man a table for a few hours and hand out resources, giveaways, and more. Community center, YMCA, etc. Bulletin boards great as well if you don&rsquo;t have the time to commit to manning a table. AOTA&rsquo;s Backpack Day website has dozens of free handouts that can be printed and distributed. Infographics, charts, pictures, and more can also be used for Power Point presentations. Many items are available in both printer-friendly and digital versions so that you can print for posters or share electronically.</li>
<li>School assembly. You can talk to kids at a school about the hazards of carrying too heavy a backpack.</li>
<li>Speak to PTA. PTAs and PTOs are always looking for ways to show their commitment to students. Encourage your PTA to do one of the above activities and you can act in a supportive role.</li>
<li>Write a blurb for your school&rsquo;s newsletter. Include the &ldquo;no more than 10% of their body weight.&rdquo;</li>
<li>Coloring contest. New this year from AOTA is a coloring sheet of OT Rex Jr. outside of his school. (Be sure to bring crayons or markers!)</li>
<li>Stickers. Template can be printed from the AOTA website. All the info on what Avery sticky paper to purchase is there as well.</li>
<li>Get social! Post a message about heavy backpacks including resources to your school&rsquo;s PTA/PTO Facebook page or Twitter account. When it comes to social media, many are unsure of what to post. Here are some ideas:
<ul>
<li>Photos of the materials you plan to share.</li>
<li>Tidbits about behind the scene planning.</li>
<li>A photo of your scale or your own bag/purse, etc.</li>
<li>Links to articles and resources</li>
<li>Be sure to retweet @AOTAIncPR. I&rsquo;ll have tweets at 10 minutes after each hour on Backpack Day to reinforce our 10% recommendation.</li>
<li>Search #BackpackSafety. There are already plenty of tweets out there with info, photos, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><i>For more information about Backpack Day, visit </i><a href="http://www.aota.org/backpack"><i>www.aota.org/backpack</i></a><i> or email me at </i><a href="mailto:kriley@aota.org"><i>kriley@aota.org</i></a><i>.</i></p><div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="https://otconnections.aota.org/aggbug.aspx?PostID=122888&AppID=7615&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Backpack Awareness DayUSA Today: Hospitals changing routines to afford patients more sleephttps://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/archive/2016/06/07/usa-today-hospitals-changing-routines-to-afford-patients-more-sleep.aspxTue, 07 Jun 2016 20:06:00 GMT9079418d-4ee6-4590-87f3-c0cc4c3814cd:72b930bc-e1cd-4ce8-af6b-a4ddfaf7d4edKatie Riley0https://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/rsscomments.aspx?WeblogPostID=122856https://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/archive/2016/06/07/usa-today-hospitals-changing-routines-to-afford-patients-more-sleep.aspx#comments<p>Sleep. We all need it to function. A good night&rsquo;s rest can make the difference in our energy levels (and our mood) the following day. In the hospital, sleep serves as an important healing function. But for anyone who has ever been hospitalized, you know that sleep is often interrupted by the flurry of activity, strange noises, interruptions by doctors and nurses, and bright lights.</p>
<p>A recent article by Kaiser Health News and run in <i>USA Today</i>, <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2016/05/28/kaiser-lights-out-some-childrens-hospitals-take-steps-ensure-good-nights-sleep/85009226/">&ldquo;Lights out: Some children&rsquo;s hospitals take steps to ensure a good night&rsquo;s sleep,&rdquo;</a> highlights a shift in medical professionals&rsquo; thinking &ndash; in some cases valuing sleep over multiple interruptions for lab tests.</p>
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<p>According to the article, hospitals are changing their ways. Simple things like making an effort to cluster medical tests, medication administration, and blood draws; promoting playtime in the afternoon to promote normal routine; shifting bathing for kids to daytime hours; and of course, enforcing quiet hours. All to promote sleep. Why? Because sometimes rest is the best medicine.&ldquo;Between the fluorescent lights, the chatter of on-duty doctors and nurses, and being roused for things like baths and vitals checks, getting eight hours of shut-eye is challenging,&rdquo; the article states. &ldquo;So now, with research increasingly highlighting the link between sleep and good health, children&rsquo;s hospitals are rethinking just how they work at night.&rdquo;</p>
<p>&quot;Sleep is an essential foundation to our daily life,&quot; says AOTA President-Elect Amy Lamb, OTD, OT/L, FAOTA. &quot;it helps improve attitude, performance and enhances our ability to handle the unexpected things that occur in everyday life. Occupational therapy has a vital role in creating healthy habits and routines surrounding sleep.&quot;Occupational therapy practitioners are experts in routine, which includes sleep for clients of all ages. In children sleep is important to promote physical and cognitive growth. In older people, a lack of sleep can exacerbate chronic medical conditions, causing pain and even depression.Occupational therapy practitioners have known this all along and promoted sleep as a catalyst for occupational performance. Sleep, after all, is an important activity of daily (or nightly) living. And according to this <a href="http://www.aota.org/-/media/corporate/files/aboutot/professionals/whatisot/hw/facts/sleep.pdf">fact sheet</a>, a lack of sleep is a national public health crisis among most Americans.</p>
<p>Bedtime routines are an essential component to children&rsquo;s health. AOTA has developed this <a href="http://www.aota.org/about-occupational-therapy/patients-clients/childrenandyouth/bedtime-routines.aspx">tip sheet</a> (also available in Spanish) to help parents and guardians establish and maintain effective bedtime routines for kids. It includes tips for establishing a specific bedtime, helping the child feel comfortable and safe at bedtime, and ensuring sleep.</p>
<p>A new movement exists to educate college students about the importance of sleep. According to this <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/sleep-revolution-college-tour_us_56e980e3e4b0b25c91840edd">Huffington Post article</a>, millennials are the most stressed generation, with almost a third lying awake at night due to stress. The Sleep Revolution (#SleepRevolution) is taking colleges by storm, visiting more than 50 campuses across the U.S. to explain the importance of sleep on academic performance, and how to juggle extracurriculars, social life, and sleep.</p>
<p>To learn more about how occupational therapy can help with sleep, visit <a href="http://www.aota.org/">www.aota.org</a> and search for &ldquo;sleep&rdquo; in the Health and Wellness section.</p><div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="https://otconnections.aota.org/aggbug.aspx?PostID=122856&AppID=7615&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Pediatricspromoting otWorking to address Washingtonian articlehttps://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/archive/2016/02/22/working-to-address-washingtonian-article.aspxMon, 22 Feb 2016 14:30:38 GMT9079418d-4ee6-4590-87f3-c0cc4c3814cd:ee96ed6e-95aa-4b7d-8560-5f1f0b6661eeKatie Riley1https://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/rsscomments.aspx?WeblogPostID=122827https://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/media_relations/archive/2016/02/22/working-to-address-washingtonian-article.aspx#comments<p><span style="font-size:small;">Some of you may be aware of an article that is in the February issue of the Washington, DC regional magazine <i>Washingtonian</i>,<i> </i><a href="http://www.washingtonian.com/2016/02/21/should-you-send-your-kids-to-occupational-therapy/">&ldquo;Should You Send Your Kids to Occupational Therapy?&rdquo;</a><i> </i>Overall, AOTA feels that this article sheds light on how occupational therapy practitioners work with children and their families on mild deficits and not just more severe challenges.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:small;">However, we&rsquo;ve identified several inaccuracies and holes in the reporting, and we are working with the publication in the following ways to address these issues:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:small;">Request for in-print correction statement.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:small;">Request that corrections are made to factual inaccuracies in the online version.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:small;">Letters to the Editor written by the OT practitioners named in the article that provide more insight to the broad scope of occupational therapy practice.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:small;">Letters to the Editor from concerned members of the OT community.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:small;">Comments to accompany the online version of the article.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:small;">The occupational therapists who are quoted, AOTA and AOTF staff spent several hours working with the reporter on the article, but much of the information was not included or credited. This is an unfortunate reminder that reporters are not obligated to include all information they gather for an article.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:small;">If you have concerns or would like assistance in drafting a letter to the editor at Washingtonian, AOTA is here to support you. Please contact me at <a href="mailto:kriley@aota.org">kriley@aota.org</a> to learn more.</span></p><div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="https://otconnections.aota.org/aggbug.aspx?PostID=122827&AppID=7615&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Pediatricsmedia relations